Lourdes University forms partnership with Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School

Lourdes University, Mercy College of Ohio’s Medical Academy, and Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School have formed a partnership with the establishment of the Early College Pathways program. This program will allow students at Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School to earn an associate degree while still in high school, saving them time and money on their future college journey.

According to an article on Lourdes University’s website, Melisa Viers, who is the principal of Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School, was quoted as saying of the new partnership, “We are happy to announce that we will have students taking classes at both Mercy and Lourdes to begin pathways in our inaugural cohorts. Students will take classes at Cardinal Stritch and at their respective higher education institutions. This is a great opportunity for our students to earn an associate degree while in high school, and we look forward to a beautiful partnership.”

The program is available for students to participate in with the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester. Students will be able to earn an associate degree in healthcare, business, or education while still taking classes in high school. The Early College Pathways program holds many benefits for Cardinal Stritch High School students, including helping them obtain a college degree more quickly and affordably, introducing them to the rigors of a college education, and helping them achieve a smooth transition from high school to college.

The Early College Pathways program page indicates that the opportunity is available for Cardinal Stritch High School students in grades nine through 12, and that the coursework students complete as part of the program will count toward college credit as well as for high school credit. While in the program, students will receive guidance to help them stay on track.

Speaking of the intent and goal of the program, Viers is quoted as saying, “The goal is that our students will fulfill not only their Ohio state credit standards but complete enough college credits for an associate degree. Upon graduation, those cohort students can move into a bachelor’s program with two years of credit.”

For more information about Lourdes University, visit the school’s website.